The victim is critically ill in Beaumont Hospital following the assassination attempt shortly before 10am. A Volkswagen Golf was spotted leaving the area and was found burnt out at Kilhedge Lane, Lusk, a short time later.

The driver-side window of a white Volkswagen Passat at the scene was smashed, with glass lying on the road.

There were also blood-soaked towels and a pair of jeans lying beside the car along with bullet casings. It’s understood vital footage of two men fleeing the scene was captured on CCTV and is being looked at by detectives.

The victim, who is known to gardai, is facing charges before the non-jury Special Criminal Court along with two other men in connection with a tiger kidnapping in Dublin’s Saggart on June 9 last year.

Gardai believe the victim was under surveillance by the gunmen and that his attackers knew his movements.

Detectives from Balbriggan and Lusk sealed off the cul-de-sac yesterday while a team of forensics officers examined the area. The victim was treated at the scene and later taken to Beaumont Hospital where his condition was described last night as critical.

Meanwhile, a number of onlookers, including children on their summer holidays, gathered at the scene.

Shocked resident James Jameson told the Irish Mirror: “I’ve been living here three years and there has never been anything like this. I knew something was wrong when the road was packed with police cars and ambulances.

Another neighbour said: “I opened the blinds this morning and heard ambulance sirens and Garda cars all over the street. There are families and children living here and to wake up to that is just horrific.”

She added: “I am shocked and dismayed that a crime of this nature could take place in a quiet suburban neighbourhood.

“As brutality of this kind spread over recent months, we saw condemnation from the Minister for Justice and repeated promises to crack down on these criminal gangs.

“Despite this, the feuding between criminal gangs has continued.

“As gun-related crime escalates and shootings continue to pose a danger to our communities, people are asking why more isn’t being done.

“A clear message must be sent by Government to all involved in gangland crime that communities will no longer be held under siege and every measure will be undertaken to end this brutality.”

Gardai have appealed for anyone who was in or around the Dun Emer area or Kilhedge Lane, Lusk, yesterday morning to contact them at Balbriggan Garda station on 01 8020510, the Garda Confidential helpine on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.